As a personal injury claimant, your most important responsibility is to follow the instructions of your representing attorney. That means ensuring you do not fall victim to some of the most common and damaging mistakes with your claim. Continue below to learn what these common personal injury claim mistakes are, and what you can do to protect yourself during the entirety of the legal process.
Common Accident Claim Mistakes to Avoid
If you have been involved in an accident in which you sustained injury, it is vital that all proper and necessary steps are taken to file a personal injury claim against the liable party. Unfortunately, doing this on your own can leave room for mistakes. If a mistake is made during the filing process, you can be denied compensation for your injuries. Here are the most common personal injury mistakes made among claimants:
Failure to Document the Accident Scene
It is understandable that many victims of personal injury fail to document the scene of the accident. A combination of shock, emotional trauma, and pain can interfere with a person’s intent to document the accident sight. It is highly recommended to take photos and video to record the happenings, locations, and other various circumstances surrounding the accident if you are physically able. In the case that a person is injured too severely, a legal representative can help track down ambulance and police records following an accident. Having these records and documentations is a great advantage for someone pursuing legal compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and time off work.
Failure to Seek Medical Attention
Another common mistake people make following a personal injury is failing to seek medical attention soon enough. Defense adjusters argue that a claimant is not as injured as they state they are if they did not seek immediate medical care, even though they are fully aware that it is very common for injuries to manifest day, weeks and even months following a collision. In emergency situations in which an injury occurs instantly, such as broken bones, 3rd degree burns, or serious lacerations, it is common to go to the emergency room and be seen by a licensed ER doctor and their medical team.
In the case that you experience an onset of injuries, meaning your injuries are not apparent right away, but appear and worsen days, weeks, or months later, you must see a doctor on your own as soon as the symptoms manifest. Do not assume that your symptoms will just go away on their own. If the injury is serious, go to the emergency room. If you are not sure of the extent of severity, you can start by contacting your primary care physician or family doctor to obtain good medical advice on what you should do.
Giving Statements Without Legal Representation
If a person is involved in an accident that caused them to sustain personal injuries, it is important for them to never give any statements concerning the accident to the defendant’s insurance company unless they have a lawyer present. Legal representation during a personal injury lawsuit is vital when it comes to seeking just and fair compensation. Speaking to a personal injury attorney before making any statements about the accident is an important step to obtaining full and fair compensation for damages and injuries following an accident.
Trusted Indiana Accident Attorneys Who Can Help You Recover The Compensation You Deserve
Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned accident lawyers, Dan Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in an accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement for you. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana. Contact us to get started in your financial recovery, today.
